JP6522775B2 - Personal acoustic system and its flexible earpiece mount - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to flexible earpiece mounts for personal acoustic systems, and methods of making and assembling the same.

  Personal headphone assemblies or other types of personal acoustic systems often include a band and at least one acoustic speaker connected to each end of the band. The band may be a headband, wherein the headband is disposed against (e.g., across) the user's head and / or neck so that it is against the user's ear (e.g., across or across the ear) Are configured to hold the acoustic element. When the earpiece fits snugly over, over and / or around the user's ear, the user's comfort, the sound quality of the acoustic element, and / or other purposes are often improved. Because the shape and size of the human head vary and the personal preferences for the positioning and fit of the personal acoustic system also vary, designing an earphone that adapts and / or fits comfortably to a large number of people In most cases it is difficult.

  The above discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspects of the relevant art in the field and should not be construed as denying the claims.

  In a general aspect, the invention relates to an assembly, such as a personal acoustic system, including a headband, an earpiece and an elastic grommet for flexibly connecting the band to the earpiece. The headband comprises a first mount and the earpiece comprises a second mount and an electroacoustic speaker. An elastic grommet is interposed between the first and second mounts. The elastic grommet may be flexible, that is, more flexible than the headband or earpiece, to small external forces and loads such as forces or loads caused by the position or movement of the user's head In response, the elastic grommets flex or deform. Other components (such as bands and earphones) would not. Thus, such small external forces result in relative changes in position and posture between the headband and the earpiece, and improve the user's comfort and / or fit when wearing the personal acoustic system. In various embodiments, the assembly may further comprise a second earpiece and a second resilient grommet flexibly connecting the headband to the second earphone.

  In another general aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a headphone assembly. The method of manufacture may include the steps of molding an elastic grommet at the end of the band of the headphone assembly and connecting the elastic grommet to the earpiece mount of the headphone assembly. The earphone comprises an electroacoustic speaker. By co-molding the elastic grommet and the band of the headphone assembly, a durable and intimate connection is formed between the elastic grommet and the band.

  These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

  Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth in detail in the appended claims. Various embodiments relating both to the configuration and the method of operation, however, together with their advantages, can be understood according to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal acoustic system according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the personal acoustic system of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the personal acoustic system of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the end of the ear assembly and band of the personal acoustic system of FIG. 1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ear assembly of FIG. 4 and the end of the band according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3--3 of FIG.

6 is a detail view of the longitudinal section of the ear assembly of FIG. 4 and the end of the band taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 3 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

7 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end of the ear assembly and band of FIG. 4 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, showing the ear assembly in a neutral position.

FIG. 8 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end of the ear assembly and band of FIG. 4 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, showing the ear assembly in a fixed position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a personal acoustic system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a personal acoustic system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a personal acoustic system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a perspective view of a portion of the personal acoustic system of FIG. 11 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ear assembly of the personal acoustic system taken along line 11-11 shown in FIG. 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ear assembly of the personal acoustic system shown in FIG. 13 taken along line 11-11 shown in FIG. 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the ear assembly of the personal acoustic system shown in FIG. 13 taken along line 11-11 shown in FIG. 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

  The examples described herein illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention in at least one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way. Absent.

  The personal acoustic system may include a band and at least one acoustic element operatively coupled to the band. For example, a personal acoustic system may include, for example, at least one earpiece at each end of the band, and at least one acoustic element may be disposed and / or housed within each earpiece. The earpiece may be coupled to the band. For example, the band may include a pair of earpieces, and each earpiece may be configured to be placed on one of the user's ears. The earpieces of the system may be flexibly attached to the band so that when the band is placed against and / or around the user's head, the position and orientation of the earpiece may be The shape and size of the neck and / or the neck can be further adjusted to the preference of the user. For example, the earpieces may be flexibly attached to each end of the band. When the band is placed on the user's head, the flexibly mounted earpiece rotates, articulates, shifts, and / or pivots to conform to the user, near, over, around, and around the user's ear. And / or fit comfortably in the user's ear.

  In some instances, the earpiece may be flexibly connected to the band by interposing at least one pivot link and / or a ball joint between the band and each earpiece. The pivot linkage and / or ball joints move and / or rotate to position and adjust the earpiece relative to the user's head. However, in some situations, such movable linkages and / or joints may be susceptible to wear and / or failure, for example as a result of long term and / or severe use. Furthermore, complex mechanical assemblies with multiple moving parts can be expensive and time consuming to manufacture and / or assemble, which can increase the cost of the personal acoustic system.

  In other examples, as described in more detail herein, a flexible mount comprising an elastic member may be interposed between the band and each earpiece to flexibly connect each earpiece to the band. it can. The resilient member may comprise an elastomeric material that allows for deflection and / or deformation of the resilient member, such that when the resilient member is flexed or deformed, the relative position and orientation of the band relative to the earpiece changes. For example, the elastic modulus of the elastic member may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the adjacent component in the personal acoustic system. In particular, the elastic modulus of the elastic member may be smaller than that of the band, the earpiece, and / or the attachment portion of the band and / or the earpiece. Thus, the elastic member flexes or deforms in response to small external forces or loads (eg, forces or loads caused by the user's head position or movement), and other components (eg, bands and earpieces) Does not flex or deform. Thereby, a small external force results in a relative change in position and posture between the band and the earpiece to improve the level of comfort of the user and / or to fit when the personal acoustic system is worn.

  The earpiece can be moved relative to the band when the resilient member between the band and the earpiece is flexed between the neutral configuration and the at least one curved or deformed configuration. For example, the earpiece can be oriented at various angles with respect to the band. As a result, the earpiece is adjustably positioned relative to the user's ear. In some instances, flexible mounts that include elastomeric members lack movable links and / or joints, thus preventing wear and / or premature failure. Also, such flexible mounts may define low profiles while providing adequate adjustability. In addition, flexible mounts without moveable linkages and / or joints are cost effective to manufacture and / or assemble, thus reducing the cost of the personal acoustic system.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the personal audio system 100, as well as its subassemblies and components are shown. Personal sound system 100 includes a band 120, an earpiece 160 at each end of the band 120, and a flexible mount 140 which connects the ear Pisu 160 to the band 120. The personal acoustic system 100 can be adapted for use in acoustic headphone systems, noise reduction or mitigation systems, noise separation systems, and / or various other suitable applications. A flexible mount 140 is disposed between band 120 and each earpiece 160 to flexibly secure each earpiece 160 to band 120. Each ear Pisu 160 and the flexible mount 140 forms an ear assembly 110 of the personal sound system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, personal audio system 100 includes a pair of ear assemblies 110. In other examples, personal acoustic system 100 may include a single ear assembly 110.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, the band 120 includes a first end 122 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. A yoke or mounting portion 126 extends from each end 122,124. Yoke 126 provides a mounting surface and / or structure for engaging flexible mount 140. For example, the yoke 126 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an inner mounting surface 130, which holds one of the flexible mounts 140 therein. The modulus of elasticity of the yoke 126 is greater than that of the flexible mount 140 coupled to the yoke 126. In various examples, the band 120 and / or the yoke 126 of the personal acoustic system 100 may be comprised of metal and / or plastic material (eg, rigid or non-elastomeric plastic material).

  In various examples, the bands 120 may include multiple components that are mated or otherwise coupled together such that the length of the bands 120 can be adjusted. For example, the band 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an adjustment slide 128 directed towards the center of the band 120, the adjustment slide 128 being between the first end 122 and the second end 124. It is configured to adjust the distance. In another example, the band 120 may be a single piece.

  In various examples, the yoke 126 may comprise circular and / or semi-circular rings extending from the band 120, as shown in FIG. In such an example, the inner mounting surface 130 of the yoke 126 forms an annular mounting surface for the flexible mount 140. The flexible mount 140 may be at least partially disposed within the inner periphery of such an annular mounting surface. As described herein, the flexible mount 140 is coupled to the yoke 126 by a groove connection (eg, tongue-and-groove connection between the flexible mount 140 and the yoke 126). You may In other examples, the yoke 126 may be integrally formed with the band 120. Additionally or alternatively, the yoke 126 may be connected to the band by fasteners, adhesives, and / or additional bonding means, as described in more detail herein.

Earpiece 160 of each ear assembly 110 includes a housing 162, an attachment portion 164, and a user engagement portion 168. Referring mainly to FIG. 4, the user engagement portion 168 is disposed to face the attachment portion 164, and when worn by the user, the user engagement portion 168 faces the user's head and the attachment portion 164 is the user's It extends away from the head. The housing 162 is disposed between the user engagement portion 168 and the attachment portion 164. In other examples, the housing 162 may form at least a portion of the user engagement portion and / or the attachment portion 164. The housing 162 may be configured to receive and / or receive at least one acoustic element 166 (FIGS. 5-8), such as, for example, an electroacoustic speaker. In various examples, the electroacoustic speaker 166 in the housing 162 may be coupled to the wire conduit 102 (FIGS. 1 and 2) extending from the earpiece 160. The wire conduit 102 may be configured to transmit electrical signals from an audio player device (not shown) to an electroacoustic speaker 166 housed within the housing 162 of the earpiece 160, which electroacoustic speaker 166 is converted to voice. Do. In another example, one of the ear Pisu 160 of the personal audio system 100 may include a wire conduit 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the other earpiece 160 of the personal audio system 100 includes a band between the earpiece 160 A second conduit extending through 120 may be in communication with the system 100. In such an example, a second conduit extending through band 120 may be directed through a channel defined in flexible member 140. The conduit may extend through the channel in the flexible member 140 to reach the earpiece 160 attached to the opposite end of the band 120. In use, the flexible member 140 may be configured to flex around the second conduit as described herein. In various examples, earpiece 160 and / or its attachment 164 may be comprised of metal and / or plastic material (eg, rigid or non-elastomeric plastic material). The modulus of elasticity of the mounting portion 164 is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the flexible mount 140.

Earpiece 160 may be configured and adapted to fit over and / or around the user's ear. For example, each earpiece 160 may form a conical or frusto-conical cup disposed around the user's ear. When the user engagement portion 168 is disposed relative to, around, and / or near the user's ear, the cup-like and / or substantially conical shape allows the speaker 166 to move from the user's ear And sound waves are directed. For example, the user engagement portion 168 may define a perimeter and / or an edge for at least partial placement with respect to the user's head. Further, when the band 120 is placed on the user's head, the user's ear may be at least partially placed in the cup defined by the earpiece 160. In particular examples, the user engagement portion 168 may include compliant and / or flexible materials. For example, the user engagement portion 168 may include a cushion and / or may be manufactured from a compliant and / or flexible material such as, for example, foam. Such cushion, the band 120 is placed against the head of the user, and / or the ear Pisu 160 is placed against the ear of the user, so as to engage against the user's head and / or ear It may be located at

As described herein, each flexible mount 140 can flexibly couple one of the earpieces 160 to the band 120. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 can be coupled between the earpiece 160 and the band 120 without complex mechanical assembly and / or additional fasteners. For example, an annular tongue and groove arrangement and / or a friction fit element secures the flexible mount 140 to one of the earpieces 160 and / or the band 120. The flexible mount 140 may be placed in engagement with the less flexible portion of the earpiece 160 and / or the band 120. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may be integrally formed with one of the earpieces 160 and / or the band 120.
For example, the flexible mount 140 may be co-moulded and / or injection molded at least partially around the earpiece 160 and / or the band 120 and / or any of the band 120 and / or the earpiece 160 . Additionally or alternatively, the flexible mount 140 may be snapped onto either the earpiece 160 and / or the band 120. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may be adhered to either the earpiece 160 and / or the band 120.

  FIG. 4 shows the ear assembly 110 and the first end 122 of the band 120 in an exploded view for purposes of illustration. This figure shows that the attachment portion 164 of the earpiece 160 can include a groove 170 defining an outer attachment surface for the flexible mount 140. The groove 170 extends around the periphery of the mounting portion 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 170 form an annular circumferential mounting surface to which the flexible mount 140 can be coupled. For example, the groove 170 is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the flexible mount 140 and connect the flexible mount 140 to the earpiece 160.

  In order to secure the flexible mount 140 to the earpiece 160, the flexible mount 140 is at least partially disposed around the attachment portion 164 of the earpiece 160 so as to be at least partially retained within the groove 170. It is configured. In various examples, the width of the groove 170 is sufficient to receive and hold the flexible mount 140. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may fit tightly within the groove 170. In various examples, a portion of flexible mount 140, such as an annular protrusion and / or a ridge, may be configured to fit snugly within groove 170. In some instances, at least a portion of the flexible mount 140 may be compressively fitted within the groove 170. In various examples, at least a portion of the flexible mount 140 may be snap fit and / or friction fit into the groove 170.

  In various examples, the flexible mount 140 may be integrally formed with the earpiece 160. For example, the flexible mount 140 may be molded onto the earpiece 160 and / or at least partially around the earpiece 160. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 and the earpiece 160 may be co-molded. For example, the earpiece 160 and / or its attachment 164 may be formed in the first mold using injection molding techniques. Thereafter, an injection molded part, for example an earpiece 160, may be placed in the second mold. An elastomeric material for forming the flexible mount 140 is added to the second mold along with the injection molded portion. The flexible mount 140 is molded around the injection molded part in the second mold. In some instances, heat and / or pressure may be applied to the elastomeric material to mold the elastomeric material around the injection molded portion in the second mold, and the elastomeric material and the injection molded portion may be integrated. In such an example, flexible mount 140 and earpiece 160 may form, for example, a co-molded subassembly of personal acoustic system 100. Additionally or alternatively, flexible mount 140 can be attached by bonding flexible mount 140 to earpiece 160, such as using an adhesive disposed between flexible mount 140 and earpiece 160. It may be glued to the earpiece 160. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible mount 140 may be secured to the earpiece 160 with a mechanical fastener such as a clip.

  As described herein, the flexible mount 140 is configured to be disposed around at least a portion of the earpiece 160, such as the attachment portion 164 and / or its annular attachment surface. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may form a ring and / or a substantially annular portion. For example, the flexible mount 140 may comprise an annular grommet around the attachment portion 164 of the earpiece 160. Referring primarily to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the flexible mount 140 forms an annular member or grommet configured to fit around the attachment portion 164 of the earpiece 160. The flexible mount 140 may be secured to the earpiece attachment portion 164 by a tongue and groove configuration. In various examples, the inner portion and / or surface of flexible mount 140 may include an inner attachment surface, and the outer portion and / or surface of attachment portion 164 may include an outer attachment surface. For example, the inner portion of the flexible mount 140 may be retained in the groove 170 in the mounting portion 164. In another example, the flexible mount 140 may include a groove, and a ridge projecting from the attachment portion 164 of the earpiece 160 may be held within the groove of the flexible mount 140.

  The flexible mount 140 is made of a material having a low modulus of elasticity. For example, flexible mount 140 preferably comprises an elastomeric material. Flexible mount 140 may be comprised of a thermoplastic elastomer and / or silicone. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may be comprised of natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber. The elastomeric material of the flexible mount 140 allows for deflection and / or elastic deformation of the flexible mount 140 when a load is applied. Flexible mount 140 is resilient. In particular, the flexible mount 140 is configured to repeatedly flex under stress and return to its original shape after the stress is removed. In various examples, the flexible mount 140 can be repeatedly deformed, for example, up to twice the undeformed length. In some instances, the elastomeric material has, for example, a Shore hardness of about 60, a tensile strength of about 685 psi, a shrinkage of about 0.003 in / in, and a tear strength of about 57 pli, And / or an elongation of about 300%.

  Flexible mount 140 is configured to couple to band 120. For example, the flexible mount 140 may be coupled to the yoke 126 at the ends 122, 124 of the band 120. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the flexible mount 140 includes an annular circumferential groove 150 extending around the flexible mount 140 and forming an annular mounting surface for the yoke 126. . For example, the groove 150 may be sized and configured to receive the yoke 126. Yoke 126 may include an inner attachment and / or surface, and flexible mount 140 may include an outer attachment and / or surface configured to be attached to the inner attachment and / or surface of yoke 126. It is good.

  The yoke 126 is at least partially disposed around the earpiece 160 and is connected to the earpiece 160 by a flexible mount 140. For example, at least a portion of the yoke 126 is at least partially retained in the groove 150 of the flexible mount 140 to secure the flexible mount 140 to the band 120. In various examples, the width of groove 150 may be sufficient to receive and securely hold yoke 126. In some instances, the yoke 126 may fit tightly in the groove 150. In other examples, a portion of the yoke 126, such as an annular protrusion and / or a ridge, may be configured to fit tightly within the groove 150. In some instances, at least a portion of the yoke 126 may compressively fit within the groove 150. In various examples, at least a portion of the yoke 126 may snap fit and / or friction fit within the groove 150.

  In some instances, the flexible mount 140 may be integrally formed with the band 120. For example, flexible mount 140 may be molded to band 120 and / or its yoke 126 and / or at least partially around band 120 and / or its yoke 126. In some instances, the flexible mount 140 and the band 120 may be co-molded. For example, band 120 and / or its yoke 126 may be formed in the first mold using injection molding techniques. Next, an injection molded part, for example a yoke 126, is placed in the second mold. An elastomeric material to form flexible mount 140 may be added to the second mold along with the injection molded portion. The flexible mount 140 may be molded around the injection molded part in the second mold. In some instances, integrating the elastomeric material with the injection molded portion by applying heat and / or pressure to the elastomeric material to form the elastomeric material around the injection molded portion in the second mold it can. In such instances, flexible mount 140 and yoke 126 may form, for example, a co-molded subassembly of personal acoustic system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible mount 140 may be bonded to the yoke 126. For example, an adhesive may be disposed between the flexible mount 140 and the yoke 126 to adhere the flexible mount 140 to the band 120. Additionally or alternatively, mechanical fasteners, such as, for example, clips, may secure flexible mount 140 to band 120 and / or its yoke 126.

  As described herein, a flexible mount 140 can be secured to the yoke 126 of the band 120 by a tongue and groove configuration. In various examples, the outer portion and / or surface of flexible mount 144 may comprise an outer attachment surface, and the inner portion and / or surface of yoke 126 may comprise an inner attachment surface. For example, the inner portion of the yoke 126 may be retained within the groove 150 of the flexible mount 140. In other examples, the yoke 126 may include a groove, and the ridges projecting from the flexible mount 140 may be pinched and held within the groove of the yoke 126.

  7 and 8 illustrate that the flexible mount 140 can be configured to flex and / or deform under external force or stress. For example, the flexible mount 140 can deform between a neutral position (FIG. 7) and at least one curved position (FIG. 8) when an external load is applied to the earpiece 160. Once the personal audio system 100 is positioned relative to the user's head, the user's head applies an external load to the earpiece 160. The flexible mount 140 can assume a neutral position before and after the assembly 100 is placed on the user's head and can assume a curved position when the assembly 100 is positioned around the user's head. The earpiece 160 is configured to move relative to the band 120 when the flexible mount 140 is flexed. In such an example, the earpiece 160 functions as a self-adjusting earpiece for the user. For example, when force F1 and / or F2 (FIG. 7) is applied to earpiece 160 by the user's head and / or other external force, flexible mount 140 bends and moves earpiece 160 in response to forces F1, F2. Can be absorbed.

  The flexible mount 140 is sufficiently resilient to resume or substantially resume the non-curved or neutral position (FIG. 7) when the forces F1, F2 are removed from the earpiece 160. The flexible mount 140 may be configured to assume a plurality of different bending orientations based on the arrangement, direction and magnitude of the force applied to the earpiece 160. In this manner, the flexible mount 140 provides adaptability and / or adjustability to the attitude of the earpiece 160 relative to the band 120. Additionally, the flexible mount 140 may provide multiple degrees of freedom in which the earpiece 160 can articulate relative to the band 120.

  FIG. 9 shows a personal acoustic system 200 that includes a band 120 and an earpiece 160, with a flexible mount 240 disposed between the band 120 and the earpiece 160. The flexible mount 240 may be attached to the band 120 and the earpiece 160 in any suitable manner, such as a groove configuration, an adhesive, fasteners, and / or molding techniques as described herein for the flexible mount 140. It is connected. Flexible mount 240 flexibly connects earpiece 160 to band 120 and is configured to pivot, shift, rock and / or rotate earpiece 160 relative to band 120. For example, the flexible mount 240 can move between a neutral position and at least one curved position. Flexible mount 240 is comprised of an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer and / or silicone.

  In various examples, the flexible mount 240 is selected to absorb and / or facilitate deformation and / or deflection of the flexible mount 240 when a load is applied to the flexible mount 240. May be specified. For example, flexible mount 240 may include at least one relief structure 242. Turning to the flexible mount 240 shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of relief structures 242 are defined in the flexible mount 240. The relief structure 242 comprises an opening at least partially through the flexible mount 240. In some instances, the opening may extend through the flexible mount 240 from a first side (front side) to a second side (back side). The relief structure 242 can allow further deflection of the flexible mount 240 to reduce the material and / or weight of the mount 240.

  In some instances, the personal audio system may include at least one rotation suppressor that can prevent rotation of various components and / or subassemblies of the personal audio system. For example, a rotation inhibitor is disposed between the earpiece and the flexible mount of the personal acoustic system to prevent relative rotation between these components. Additionally or alternatively, a rotation inhibitor may be disposed between the yoke and the flexible mount of the personal acoustic system to prevent relative rotation between these components.

  FIG. 10 shows a personal acoustic system 300 having such a rotation suppressor. The personal audio system 300 shown in FIG. 10 is similar in many respects to the personal audio system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-8 and the personal audio system 200 shown in FIG. 9. For example, the personal speaker 300 shown in FIG. 10 includes an earpiece 360 flexibly attached to a band 320 via a flexible mount 340. Similar to the earpiece 160, the earpiece 360 includes an attachment portion 364, a housing 362 for at least one electro-acoustic element, and a user engagement portion 368. Further, band 320 may include a first end and a second end, and yoke 326 may extend from each end, similar to band 120, for example. The flexible mount 340 may be disposed between the yoke 326 and the attachment 364 of the earpiece 360 by a groove configuration such as an annular groove 370 in the attachment 364 and an annular groove 350 in the flexible mount 340. it can.

  The personal audio system 300 shown in FIG. 10 also includes a plurality of rotation restraints. For example, the earpiece 360 includes a pattern of teeth or notches 372 in the grooves 370, and the flexible mount 340 includes a corresponding pattern of teeth or notches 352 along the inner mounting surface 354. The dimensions of notches 352 and notches 372 are sized to mate with one another such that rotation of flexible mount 340 relative to earpiece 360 is inhibited and / or inhibited. With further reference to FIG. 10, the yoke 326 includes a pattern of teeth or notches 328 along the inner mounting surface 330, and the flexible mount 340 includes a corresponding pattern of teeth or notches in the grooves 350. There is. The notches in the groove 350 and the notches 328 in the yoke 326 are sized to mate with one another such that rotation of the flexible mount 340 relative to the yoke 320 is inhibited and / or inhibited.

  In some instances, a single notch may be used to prevent and / or prevent relative component rotation. In another example, as shown in FIG. 10, more than one notch may be used to prevent and / or prevent relative rotation of the components. In such instances, the notches may be equally spaced around the attachment and / or surface of the interlocking element. The notches may define notches and corresponding protrusions and / or various interlocking structures to prevent relative rotational movement. Additionally or alternatively, relative rotation of the various components may be suppressed, for example, by adhesives and / or fasteners.

  In various examples, the flexible mount may be held between the earpiece and the yoke of the personal acoustic system. FIGS. 11-15 show the flexible mount 440 of the personal acoustic system 400 held between the earpiece 460 of the band 420 and the yoke 426. FIG. Similar to earpiece 160 and earpiece 360, earpiece 460 includes a mounting portion 464, a housing 462 for at least one acoustic element, and a user engagement portion 468. Further, band 420 includes, for example, first and second ends and yokes 426 extending from each end, as well as bands 120 and 320. In various examples, the flexible mount 440 includes an elastomeric material such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer and / or silicone. The flexible mount 440 is resilient so that it can deform from the neutral position to the bent position when an external load is applied and return to the neutral position when the external load is removed. Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 11-15, a plurality of relief structures 442 are defined in the flexible mount 440 to further facilitate flexing and / or deformation of the flexible mount 440.

  Flexible mount 440 is connected to yoke 426 of band 420. For example, the flexible mount 440 may be integrally formed with the yoke 426. In some instances, the flexible mount 440 and the yoke 426 form a co-molded and / or injection molded subassembly. The flexible mount 440 can be at least partially disposed within the inner mounting surface of the yoke 426. Additionally or alternatively, flexible mount 440 may be secured to yoke 426 with, for example, an adhesive and / or fasteners.

  In some instances, the flexible mount 440 includes an inner attachment 444. The inner mounting portion 444 defines a radially inwardly projecting flange. In various examples, the inner attachment portion 444 is configured to be held between the attachment portion 464 of the earpiece 460 and the clip 490. For example, a clip 490 including a plurality of spring members and / or cantilevered arms 492 is configured to engage the attachment portion 464 of the earpiece 460. When the clip 490 is engaged with the earpiece 460, the flange 444 of the flexible mount 440 may be held between the clip 490 and the earpiece 460, as shown in FIGS. 13-15.

  In some instances, clip 490 may be snapped into engagement with attachment portion 464 of earpiece 460. Further, the flange 444 may extend into a groove defined between the clip 490 and the attachment portion 464 of the earpiece 460. In such an example, when the clip 490 is locked to the attachment portion 464, the flexible mount 440 and thus the yoke 426 connected thereto is flexibly coupled to the earpiece 460. The flexible mount 440 may allow articulation of the earpiece 460 relative to the band 420 so that the placement of the earpiece 460 can be adjusted based on the user's head shape and / or preference of the user's placement.

To assemble the personal acoustic system 400, the flexible mount 440 may be integrally formed with the yoke 426 using at least one of the various molding techniques described herein. For example, the yoke 426 can be formed by an injection molding process, and then the flexible mount 440 can be co-molded with the yoke 426. In other examples, the flexible mount 440 may be coupled to the yoke 426 by at least one of the various coupling means described herein. Thereafter, the flexible mount 440 is placed in abutting engagement with the earpiece 460 such that the flange 444 of the flexible mount 440 is located in a portion of the groove defined by the attachment portion 464 of the earpiece 460 You may The clip 490 can then be snapped into engagement with the attachment portion 464 to hold the flexible mount 440 in abutting engagement with the earpiece 460. For example, a cantilevered arm 492 may be inserted into at least one opening of the attachment portion 464 of the earpiece 460. When the clip 490 engages the earpiece 460, the flexible mount 440 and the band 460 connected thereto are secured to the earpiece 460. In various examples, the method of assembly may include attaching a second earpiece to the opposite end of the band 420.

  Thus, in various embodiments, the present invention relates to an assembly including a headband, an earpiece, and an elastic grommet for flexibly connecting the band to the earpiece. The headband comprises a first mount and the earpiece comprises a second mount and an electroacoustic speaker. An elastic grommet is interposed between the first and second mounts. The assembly may also comprise a second earpiece similarly connected to the opposite end of the headband.

  In various implementations, the first mount comprises an annular inner surface and the second mount comprises an annular outer surface. The annular outer surface of the second mount may comprise a groove, in which case the elastic grommet may be at least partially disposed in the groove. Similarly, the elastic grommet may comprise a groove, and the annular inner surface may be at least partially disposed in the groove. Also, either or both of the first and second mounts may optionally have a notched shape to prevent rotation of the elastic grommet relative to the earpiece or headband.

  The elastic grommet and the first mount are preferably made of different materials. The elastic grommet may, for example, comprise a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone, and the headband and earpiece may comprise a rigid non-elastomeric plastic or steel.

  Furthermore, the elastic grommet and the headband may be co-molded to comprise an integrally formed subassembly. In such embodiments, the headphone assembly may be manufactured by molding (eg, co-molding) an elastic grommet at the end of the headband of the headphone assembly and connecting the elastic grommet to the earpiece mount. The same process may be used for a headphone assembly with a second earphone at the other end of the headband.

  Numerous details are specifically set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. There is. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that these embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein and illustrated are non-limiting examples, and thus the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative. And it will be understood that it may be illustrative. Variations and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of at least one other embodiment. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosed embodiments using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure within known or common practice in the relevant art.

  The terms "include" (any form such as "with", "any form such as" with "), any form such as" put in "(with" put in ") ), "To contain" (and any form such as "to contain") are open-ended connective verbs. As a result, a system, device or apparatus "comprising", "having", "including" or "accommodating" one or more elements has one or more of these elements, but only those elements It is not limited to having it. Similarly, an element of a system, device, assembly or apparatus that "includes", "includes", "includes" or "accommodates" one or more features, although having one or more of those features Not limited to having only these features.

  All or part of the patents, publications or other disclosed materials cited and incorporated herein in conflict with the existing definitions, theories or other materials disclosed herein. Only to the extent not incorporated herein. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure content explicitly set forth herein supersedes the conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Materials mentioned herein as being incorporated by reference, but which conflict with existing definitions, theories or other disclosed materials disclosed herein, or portions thereof, include materials to be incorporated and existing disclosed materials. It will be incorporated only to the extent that they do not conflict with each other.

Claims (6)

A headband (120) comprising a first mount (130);
A second mount (164) comprising a circumferential mounting surface (170) and an earpiece (160) comprising an electroacoustic speaker (166);
An elastic grommet (140) flexibly connecting the headband to the earpiece;
Equipped with
The elastic grommet is interposed between the first mount and the second mount,
The elastic grommet is provided with an inner mounting surface (354), said inner mounting surface is disposed around the circumference mounting surface, connecting the resilient grommet on the earpiece,
The first mount comprises an annular inner surface (130),
The circumferential mounting surface comprises a groove (170), a portion of the elastic grommet being at least partially disposed within the groove and frictionally engaged with the groove;
The groove has an outer notched shape (372),
An assembly (110) , wherein the elastic grommet comprises an inner notched shape (352) corresponding to the outer notched shape to prevent the elastic grommet from rotating relative to the earpiece . A headband (120) comprising a first mount (130);
A second mount (164) comprising a circumferential mounting surface (170) and an earpiece (160) comprising an electroacoustic speaker (166) ;
An elastic grommet (140) flexibly connecting the headband to the earpiece;
Equipped with
The elastic grommet is interposed between the first mount and the second mount,
The elastic grommet comprises an inner mounting surface (354), the inner mounting surface being arranged around the circumferential mounting surface to connect the elastic grommet to the earpiece,
Said first mount, Ri Contact an annular inner surface (130),
The circumferential attachment surface comprises a first groove (170), a portion of the elastic grommet being at least partially disposed within the first groove for frictional engagement with the first groove And
The elastic grommet comprises a second groove (350), the annular inner surface being at least partially arranged in the second groove,
An assembly (110) , wherein the second groove comprises an outer notched shape and the annular inner surface comprises an inner notched shape corresponding to the outer notched shape . The elastic grommet is comprised of a first material, the first mount is comprised of a second material, and the second material is different than the first material. The assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 . The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the elastic grommet and the headband comprise a co-molded subassembly. The assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the elastic grommet is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers and silicones. The assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein at least one relief structure (442) is defined in the elastic grommet.

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